Children with developmental delays often have weak oral-motor muscles.
Oral motor difficulties occur when individuals have difficulties using the lips, tongue, jaw, teeth and palate. This can have an impact on a child's speech as well as their eating, drinking and swallowing.
Oral Motor Exercises You Can Try at Home
- Blowing bubbles.
- Using straws to drink.
- Making funny faces.
Practicing mouth activities like blowing, could help kids with problems of drooling, closing their mouth completely while eating, and sensory defensiveness to certain type of foods.